Obsession’s Michael Johnston wants ‘meaningful’ queer role: ‘I’ll write it myself’
Michael Johnston (Image: Getty Images)
Out gay actor Michael Johnston has said he wants his next project to be a “really intentional queer role” with a “really meaningful” story, adding: “I don’t know, maybe I’ll write it myself.”
The Obsession star made the comments on the I’ve Never Said This Before podcast, as he reflected on reaching a point in his career where he can “choose what I want to do”.
Johnston also shared how he thinks about sexuality in storytelling. “My whole thing has been that what the character’s sexuality is doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “It’s just another part of who they are, and that’s how I am. It’s just a part of who I am.”
He then explained why he still wants a queer story with weight behind it. “But that being said, growing up in the Bible Belt can be problematic for a gay boy,” Johnston said, describing it as “a whole kind of experience”.
Teen Wolf and coming out
Johnston also looked back on playing Corey Bryant on MTV’s Teen Wolf from 2015 to 2017. He said that during that period he “still wasn’t comfortable with [his] sexuality at the time”, and only later understood the effect the role had on viewers.
“I got thousands of messages from people thanking me and telling me how they feel better about themselves. They were able to come out to their parents,” he said.
Life after Obsession
Johnston’s comments arrive after his breakout performance as Bear in Obsession, a character described as a “toxically hopeless romantic”. The film has become Focus Features’ highest-grossing title ever, surpassing $300million globally last month.
For Johnston, the combination of career momentum and personal experience appears to be shaping what he wants to do next and how he does it.
And, honestly, we’re here for more meaningful queer stories – so let’s go, Michael!
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
